📖 Overview
The Fastest Way to Fall centers on Britta Colby, a lifestyle writer who takes an assignment to review a new fitness app called FitMe. As part of her coverage, she connects with her assigned personal trainer and CEO of the company, Wes Lawson, beginning their professional relationship through in-app messages.
What starts as standard client-trainer communication evolves into meaningful conversations and shared personal stories between Britta and Wes. Their growing connection challenges both professional and personal boundaries, especially given Britta's role as an undercover journalist reviewing the app.
Through their experiences, both Britta and Wes confront their past struggles with body image, family expectations, and emotional vulnerability. The story explores the intersection of physical and emotional health while following their developing relationship.
This contemporary romance examines themes of self-acceptance, trust, and the complex dynamics between personal and professional lives. The novel presents a fresh perspective on wellness culture and authentic human connection in the digital age.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a steamy contemporary romance with authentic plus-size representation and a focus on health rather than weight loss.
Readers appreciated:
- The dual POV narrative style
- Chemistry between main characters
- Body-positive messaging without feeling preachy
- Realistic portrayal of dating app dynamics
- Development of side characters
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing in middle sections
- Some found the workplace relationship premise unrealistic
- Several readers wanted more conflict/tension
- A few noted the ending felt rushed
Review Scores:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (17,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,900+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings)
Sample reader quote: "Finally a romance that shows a plus-size woman living her best life without making the story all about her size or weight loss journey." - Goodreads reviewer
Many readers compared it favorably to The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang and Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert.
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Set on You by Amy Lea A fitness influencer falls for her gym nemesis while navigating social media pressures and body positivity messages.
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang A burned-out violinist explores identity and self-worth through her relationship with a motorcycle-riding physical therapist.
If You Love Something by Janice Lynn A personal trainer and former athlete finds connection through shared fitness goals with a client who returns to her hometown.
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters A casting assistant attempts to recreate classic rom-com scenarios in real life while balancing her professional aspirations.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Author Denise Williams worked in higher education and student affairs before becoming a full-time writer, bringing authenticity to her character Britta's workplace scenes.
💪 The book tackles important themes of body positivity and healthy relationships with fitness, standing out among romance novels for its nuanced portrayal of wellness culture.
📱 The story's premise was inspired by the rise of fitness apps and virtual coaching relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
💕 Unlike many romance novels featuring fitness themes, both main characters (Britta and Wes) start the story already comfortable with their bodies, shifting focus to emotional growth.
🏃♀️ The author conducted extensive research on the fitness industry and startup culture to accurately portray FitMe, the fictional wellness app featured in the novel.